Nokia denies plans to return into Handset Business

Nokia has decided to pour some coldness to the rumour mill about a potential returning to phone manufacturing by some Chinese Media outlets. The company released a statement denying it ‘currently’ has no plans to go into handset manufacturing and sales. 

Earlier this week, Recode reported Nokia Technologies has plans to collaborate with partners on releasing smartphones; with the company handling the design and partners handling the manufacturing plus sales. The very same strategy it used with the Nokia N1 tablet. 

This report is followed by a new report from China from a supposedly Nokia China President which says the company is working on an Android OS powered smartphone which would be made in Sichuan, China. Subject to some accessment, the device would launch in 2016 and Nokia would permanently move it’s R&D department to Sichuan, China.

In an abrupt statement on its Official Website, the Finland Based company said;

“Nokia notes recent news reports claiming the company communicated an intention to manufacture consumer handsets out of a R&D facility in China. 

These reports are false, and include comments incorrectly attributed to a Nokia Networks executive. Nokia reiterates it currently has no plans to manufacture or sell consumer handsets.”

Nokia looks to have conceded defeat in the Smartphone market which is currently has the big players going head to head. It is also looking to sell off its HERE maps business (Apple one of the suitors) and has recently acquired Alcatel-lucent for €15.6 Billion to go head-to-head with Huawei in the networking business. The company now has focus on Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, 5G and networking. 

Something inside me just feels the use of ‘currently’ which is highlighted in the press statement has an hidden meaning. Who knows, the company could be looking to spring up a surprise just like it did with the N1 tablet. Fingers crossed on this one.